Bob F wrote:
"David Martel" wrote in message
link.net...
Puddin,

That the carb looks fine isn't definitive. Get some starting fluid,
spray
it into the carb throat, and see if it will start. When you store an
engine
for a long time either run it dry or use a gas stabilizer.


To test the spark, pull the plug, push it back into the plug wire, and prop
or wire the base of the plug to the engine metal. Then try to start it. The
spark
should be evident. If it is, you probably have a carb problem.

Bob
..
My 3.5 B and S mower is acting the same. It was running rough and
surging, so had changed the plug; put in a new carburetor kit and
checked the magneto clearance under the flywheel and it ran fine for a
couple of weeks of occasional use.
Then it stopped. Haven't bothered since cos end of season.
Howver someone reminded me to check the the safety off switch; when I
let go of the safety bar (a sort of deadman's lever on the handle which
must be held down to start and run) a switch operated by a cable from
the lever kills the ignition circuit.
So just a suggestion if the OP has a mower with a 'safety stop' lever